Footwear with lattice midsole and compression insert

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole and an outsole. The midsole is connected to the upper and to the outsole. The midsole includes a lattice structure and a resilient foam insert. The lattice structure includes a network of laths and nodes with a recess formed in the network of laths and nodes. The resilient foam insert is positioned in the recess in the lattice structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent document claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/158,950, filed May 8, 2015, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to footwear and specifically tosupport arrangements for articles of footwear.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 13 shows an article of footwear in the form of a shoe 10 to be wornon a foot of a user with a portion of the shoe 10 cut away so that theinside of the shoe 10 is partially visible. The shoe 10 includes anupper 14 and a sole 18 coupled to the upper 14. The upper 14 covers thetop and sides of the user's foot, and the sole 18 covers the bottom ofthe user's foot and makes contact with the ground. The sole 18 typicallyincludes an insole 22, a midsole 26, and an outsole 30 which cushion andprotect the user's foot while the user makes contact with the ground.The insole 22 contacts the user's foot, the outsole 30 contacts theground, and the midsole 26 is arranged between the insole 22 and theoutsole 30. The insole 22 generally provides a comfortable surface forcontact with the user's foot and is typically comprised of a thin layerof a man-made material such as, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate(EVA). The midsole 26 generally provides most of the cushioning andshock absorption for the foot of the user and is typically comprised ofa polymer such as, for example, polyurethane, surrounding anothermaterial such as, for example, a foam, a gel, or recesses filled withair. The outsole 30 generally provides a durable surface which cansustain repeated impact and friction with the ground and is typicallycomprised of a durable material, such as, for example, carbon rubber orblown rubber.

The sole 18 includes a heel end 34 arranged where a user's heel ispositioned when wearing the shoe 10 and a toe end 38 arranged oppositethe heel end 34 where the user's toes are positioned when wearing theshoe 10. The sole 18 also includes a medial side 42 arranged closest tothe user's center of symmetry when wearing the shoe 10 and a lateralside 46 arranged opposite the medial side 42 farther from the user'scenter of symmetry when wearing the shoe 10.

Turning now to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, schematic drawings of a user's foot50 are shown including a heel 54, toes 56, an arch 58, a medial side 60,and a lateral side 62. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective lateral side view ofthe bone structure of the foot 50, and FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view ofthe foot 50 including a plurality of regions located relative to theheel 54, toes 56, arch 58, medial side 60, and lateral side 62. Acalcaneus region 66 (shown in FIG. 14) on the bottom of the foot 50 islocated substantially beneath a calcaneus bone 68 (shown in FIG. 14) ofthe user, near the heel 54. A talus region 70 (shown in FIG. 15) on thebottom of the foot 50 is located substantially beneath a talus bone 72(shown in FIG. 14) of the user, between the heel 54 and the arch 58. Alongitudinal arch region 74 (shown in FIG. 15) on the bottom of the foot50 is located substantially beneath a navicular bone 76, a cuboid bone78 and cuneiform bones 80 (shown in FIG. 14) of the user, near the arch58. A metatarsal region 82 (shown in FIG. 15) on the bottom of the foot50 is located substantially beneath metatarsal bones 84 (shown in FIG.14) of the user, between the arch 58 and the toes 56. A ball of the footregion 86 (shown in FIG. 15) on the bottom of the foot 50 is locatedsubstantially beneath the metatarsal-phalangeal joints 88 and sesamoids90 (shown in FIG. 14) of the user, between the arch 58 and the toes 56and closer to the medial side 60 than the lateral side 62. A toe region92 (shown in FIG. 15) on the bottom of the foot 50 is locatedsubstantially beneath phalangeal bones 94 (shown in FIG. 14) of theuser, near the toes 56.

When propelling himself on his feet, the user applies different amountsof pressure at different times to the various bones in each foot 50during what is known as a gait cycle. For example, during a typicalwalking motion, the gait cycle begins when the user first contacts theground with the heel 54 of his foot 50, thereby applying pressure to thecalcaneus bone 68. As the user shifts his weight forward on his foot 50,he applies less pressure to the calcaneus bone 68 and begins to applypressure to the talus bone 72, the navicular bone 76, the cuboid bone78, and the cuneiform bones 80. As the user begins to propel himself offhis foot 50, he applies less pressure to the talus bone 72, thenavicular bone 76, the cuboid bone 78, and the cuneiform bones 80 andbegins to apply pressure to the metatarsal bones 84. As the user propelshimself forward, he applies pressure along the metatarsal bones 84 andto the metatarsal-phalangeal joints 88 and sesamoids 90. Finally, as theuser begins to toe off and end contact with the ground, he applies lesspressure to the metatarsal-phalangeal joints 88 and sesamoids 90 andapplies pressure to the phalangeal bones 94. Finally, to toe off, theuser applies pressure to the phalangeal bones 94 to propel forward. Theuser then lifts his foot 50 into a leg swing, and places it down in alocation forward relative to where he lifted it. When the user placeshis foot 50 down again, he first contacts the ground with the heel 54,beginning a new cycle of the walking motion.

Many styles of forward propulsion, including many styles of walking andrunning, apply a gait cycle substantially similar to that describedabove. In some styles of forward propulsion, such as, for example,sprinting or shuffling, different amounts of pressure are applied todifferent portions of the foot 50 for different amounts of time.Additionally, the particular amounts of pressure applied to differentportions of the foot 50 can vary from one individual to another. Forexample, some individuals apply more pressure to the medial side 60 thanthe lateral side 62 as they progress through the gait cycle. Thisparticular application of pressure is known as pronation. In contrast,some individuals apply more pressure to the lateral side 62 than themedial side 60 as they progress through the gait cycle. This particularapplication of pressure is known as supination. Additionally, someindividuals apply more pressure to their heels 54 when contacting theground and some contact the ground with a portion of their feet nearerto the arch 58.

Shoes are designed to support and protect the feet of users during gaitcycles to provide comfort and to promote efficient propulsion. However,due to differences between individuals in both foot anatomy and personalgait cycle style, some shoes are more comfortable and useful for someusers than others. Additionally, producing a shoe configured to meet thevariety of needs during all stages of the gait cycle can includeproducing a large number of different specialized parts which must beassembled into the shoe. Production and assembly of parts arecontributing factors to the cost of the shoe. In general, a shoe havinga larger number of parts is more expensive to produce than a shoe havinga smaller number of parts. In view of the foregoing, it would beadvantageous to provide a shoe that is comfortable and useful for a userand that is inexpensive to produce. It would also be advantageous toprovide a shoe with a support arrangement that can be easily customizedto meet the unique needs of various foot anatomies and individual gaitstyles. It would be of further advantage if the shoe were configured toprovide improved performance qualities for the user, such as improvedstability and energy return qualities.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, there isprovided an article of footwear comprising an upper, a midsole and anoutsole. The midsole is connected to the upper and to the outsole. Themidsole includes a lattice structure including a network of laths andnodes with a recess formed in the network of laths and nodes. Aresilient foam insert is positioned in the recess in the latticestructure.

The above described features and advantages, as well as others, willbecome more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art byreference to the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of footwear including a midsolecomprising a lattice structure.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the midsole of FIG. 1 including aresilient insert positioned in a recess formed within the latticestructure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the midsole of FIG. 2 with the resilient insertremoved from the lattice structure to expose a recess in the latticestructure.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the lattice structure of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the lattice structure of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the lattice structure of FIG. 2 with anoutsole for the article of footwear attached thereto.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the midsole latticestructure of FIG. 2 including a recess that extends completely throughthe lattice structure in a forefoot region of the midsole.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the lattice structure of FIG. 7 with aresilient insert positioned in the recess.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a section of an alternativeembodiment of the midsole lattice structure of FIG. 7 wherein the recessextends to a lower platform of the lattice structure.

FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment of the lattice structure of FIG. 2wherein the lattice structure extends from a heel region to a midfootregion of the midsole, but does not extend to a forefoot region.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a midsole lattice structure with linesillustrating the wave-like structure of the parallel laths in a firstlayer of the lattice structure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the midsole lattice structure of FIG.11 with dotted lines illustrating the wave-like structure of theparallel laths in a second layer of the lattice structure that is abovethe first layer.

FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing of an article of footwear in the form ofshoe as is generally known in the prior art.

FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing of a medial side view of a bone structureof a foot.

FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a bottom view of a foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to FIGS. 1-6, an article of footwear 100 includes anupper 102, a midsole 104 and an outsole 106. The midsole 104 is providedbetween the upper 102 and the outsole 106 and is formed of twocomponents. The first component of the midsole 104 is a latticestructure 110. The second component of the midsole 104 is a compressibleand resilient insert 150 disposed on top of or within the latticestructure 110. In combination, the lattice structure 110 and theresilient insert 150 provide a midsole 104 that provides increasedstability and energy return qualities.

The upper 102 includes a plurality of components that cover the foot ofa user when the article of footwear 100 is worn. The upper 102 mayinclude any of various sections, including the vamp, the heel, thetongue, and any of various other components such as fabric panels,leather strips, foam padding, polymer support structures, or fasteningelements. The upper 102 in combination with the insole (not shown) forma foot cavity for the article of footwear 100. The insole is positionedunder the foot of the wearer and abuts the midsole 104. The insole mayinclude various components such as a strobel board and a sock liner.Various methods may be used to attach the upper 102 and the insole tothe midsole 104, including the use of adhesives, welting, or any ofvarious other methods as will be recognized by those of ordinary skillin the art.

The components of the upper 102 may be presented in any of variousconfigurations and thereby provide different forms of the footwear. Forexample, the upper 102 may be configured as a low-cut running shoe, ahigh-top basketball shoe, or any of various other forms of athleticshoes. The upper 102 may also be configured with various tighteningmechanisms to secure the article of footwear 100 to the foot of thewearer. For example, the upper 102 may be configured such that thearticle of footwear 100 is a lace-up shoe, a slip-on shoe, or astrap-tightened boot.

In addition to being provided in any of various forms andconfigurations, the upper 102 may also be comprised of any of variousmaterials. For example, the upper may include polyester, elastane, mesh,synthetic leather or natural leather, or any of various other materialsor combinations thereof. The materials used on the upper 102 may depend,in part, on the particular type of footwear formed by the upper 102. Forexample, heavier and more rugged materials such as leather may be moreprevalent on the upper 102 if the article of footwear is provided in theform of a boot or a cleat. Conversely, light-weight mesh or elastanefabric may be more prevalent on the upper 102 if the article of footwearis provided in as a running shoe.

The midsole 104 is connected to the upper 102. With particular referencenow to FIGS. 2-3, the midsole 104 is formed of two components, includingthe lattice structure 110 and the resilient insert 150. The latticestructure 110 includes a lower platform 112, a plurality ofinterconnected laths 114, and an upper shelf 118. The laths 114 arejoined together at nodes 116 to provide a network of laths that extendsbetween the lower platform 112 and the upper shelf 118 of the latticestructure 110. The laths 114 may be configured and connected in any ofvarious configurations to form the lattice structure. In at least oneembodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-6 (and discussed in further detail belowwith reference to FIGS. 11 and 12) the laths 114 are generally wave-likestructures, forming alternating layers of parallel waves andperpendicular waves, with each layer joined to an adjacent layer at thepeaks and valleys of the waves. Accordingly, the nodes 116 are formed atthe peaks and the valleys of the wave-like laths 114.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, openings 120 (which may also bereferred to herein as “voids”) are formed in the lattice structure 110between the plurality of laths 114 and the plurality of nodes 116. Theopenings 120 form a network of passages through the lattice structure110. These passages include direct and indirect passages through thelattice structure 110 from the lateral side to the medial side of thelattice structure, and from the front to the back of the latticestructure 110. Accordingly, air and moisture are permitted to passthrough the midsole in a lateral direction from the medial side to thelateral side of the lattice structure 110, and vice-versa, and from thefront to the back of the lattice structure 110, and vice-versa.

The upper shelf 118 of the lattice structure 110 provides a relativelysmooth and continuous surface that extends around the upper perimeter ofthe lattice structure 110. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the uppershelf 118 extends only around the perimeter of the lattice structure 110without extending into the center of the lattice structure. In thisembodiment, the upper shelf 118 has a width between 3 mm and 30 mm atvarious locations along the upper shelf 118. For example, the width ofthe upper shelf 118 near the heel region is about 26 mm, while the widthof the upper shelf 118 near the toe region is about 7 mm. The smooth andcontinuous surface of the upper shelf 118 is contoured to match that ofthe lower surface perimeter of the resilient insert 150. Accordingly,the resilient insert 150 is configured to receive and closely engage theupper shelf 118, and the lattice structure 110, providing a convenientlocation for securing the resilient insert 150 and/or the upper 102 tothe lattice structure 110. At the same time, the lattice structure 110,including the upper shelf 118 is configured to support the resilientinsert 150 and/or the upper 102 within the article of footwear 100.

The upper shelf 118 generally provides the highest portion of thelattice structure 110. The upper shelf 118 extends around the upperperimeter of the lattice structure 110 but does not completely cover thenetwork of laths 114 and nodes 116. However, in various alternativeembodiments, the upper shelf 118 may be configured as a platform thatextends completely across the lattice structure 110 to completely coverthe network of laths 114 and nodes 116.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a recess 108 is formed in the latticestructure 110 which extends downward from the upper shelf 118 and intothe network of laths 114 and nodes 116. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and4 this recess 108 extends completely across the lattice structure 110from a forefoot region 130 to a heel region 140 of the midsole 104, butonly extends partially downward into the network of laths 114. However,in other embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8 described infurther detail below, the recess 108 extends across only a portion ofthe foot of the wearer, such as across a portion of the forefoot region130 or a portion of the heel region 140. In addition, the recess 108 mayalso extend downward to a greater degree than the embodiment of FIGS. 3and 4. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8 the recess extendscompletely through the lattice structure 110. Accordingly, it will berecognized that the recess 108 may be provided in any of various shapesand dimensions, and is typically configured to receive and retain theresilient insert 150 within the midsole 104. Additionally, it will berecognized that one or more recesses 108 may be provided in each latticestructure 110, with each recess 108 configured to receive a resilientinsert 150.

With particular reference now to FIG. 5, the lower platform 112 of thelattice structure 110 is provided on the opposite side of the latticestructure 110 from the upper shelf 118. The lower platform 112 providesthe general footprint or outline shape for the bottom of the article offootwear 100. The lower platform 112 includes an upward-facing surfacewhich is connected to the network of laths 114 and a downward-facingsurface 122 which engages the outsole 106. The downward-facing surface122 is substantially flat and smooth and includes a plurality of ribs124 and a plurality of grooves 126. The plurality of ribs 124 extendoutward from the surrounding portions of the downward-facing surface122. The plurality of grooves 126 may cut completely through the lowerplatform 112 and into the recess 108 or the laths 114 of the latticestructure 110. The ribs 124 and grooves 126 may be advantageouslyarranged in any of various configurations with the ribs 124 offeringadditional support and stability for the midsole 104, and the groovesoffering additional flexibility for the midsole 104. Relatively flat andsmooth sections 128 are provided between the ribs 124 and grooves. Asdescribed in further detail below, outsole pads 160 are connected toeach of the relatively flat and smooth sections 128 of the latticestructure 110.

The lattice structure 110 may be comprised of any of various materials.In at least one embodiment, the lattice structure 110 is comprised of apolymer, such as nylon, PTFE or any of various other thermoplasticpolymers. The polymers used to form the lattice structure 110 may beadvantageously appropriate for use in association with various threedimensional (3D) printing processes, such as selective laser sintering,fused deposition modeling, or related 3D printing processes. In additionto being a material appropriate for use with 3D printing processes, thematerial used for the lattice structure 110 should also provide theappropriate qualities desired for the midsole such as strength andresiliency. Use of the appropriate material for the lattice structure110 will allow the lattice structure 110 to provide good stability andenergy return for the midsole 104. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, thelattice structure 110 is a unitary component with the lower platform112, laths 114, nodes 116, and upper shelf 118 all integrally formedtogether during a 3D printing process. Because the lattice structure 110is formed by 3D printing, the various components of the latticestructure, including the lower platform 112, laths 114 and upper shelf118 may be integrally formed without gate marks, sprue marks, partingline marks and ejector pin marks as are common with molded parts.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the resilient insert 150is positioned upon and at least partially within the lattice structure110. The resilient insert 150 is generally provided as a unitary panelor block-like component that is inserted into the recess 108 of thelattice structure 110. The resilient insert 150 may be provided in anyof various shapes and sizes. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS.2-3, the insert is a relatively thin panel that is provided in thegeneral shape of a footprint. In this embodiment, the resilient insert150 includes a perimeter edge 152 and a foot bed 154 with a relativelyflat and smooth upper surface 156 extending from side-to-side of theperimeter edge. The foot bed 154 is slightly depressed relative to theperimeter edge 152 such that the foot bed 154 rests slightly downwardfrom the perimeter edge 152. The perimeter edge 152 of the resilientinsert 150 is configured to abut the upper shelf 118 of the latticestructure 110. The foot bed 154 is configured to rest within the recess108 of the lattice structure 110 with a lower surface of the resilientinsert engaging the laths 114 and nodes 116 or the lower platform. Anadhesive or other connecting means may be used to secure the resilientinsert 150 in place within the lattice structure 110.

While the resilient insert 150 has been described in the embodiment ofFIGS. 2-3 as having a size and shape that extends substantially over theentirety of the lattice structure 110, in other embodiments theresilient insert 150 may have a different shape or may have more of ablock-like structure. In any event, the resilient insert 150 isgenerally configured to provide any of various cushioning, energyreturn, support or other qualities in the region of the midsole 104associated with the resilient insert 150.

In addition to having various sizes and shapes, the resilient insert 150may also be positioned in various locations within the lattice structure110. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-3, the resilient insert150 extends across and covers the lattice structure 110. In thisembodiment the resilient insert 150 may be designed to cooperate withthe network of laths 114 and provide a generally soft yet resilientcushioning component for the foot of the wearer. In other embodiments,the resilient insert 150 may only be positioned in one limited area ofthe lattice structure 110, such as the heel region 140 or the forefootregion 130 of the midsole 104. In these embodiments, the resilientinsert 150 is configured to provide additional support or cushioning inonly the targeted area where the resilient insert 150 is located. In yetother embodiments, several resilient inserts may be provided indifferent regions of the midsole 104, such as one resilient insert 150in each of the forefoot region and the heel region, or such as twoseparate inserts in the heel region.

In at least some embodiments, the resilient insert 150 is designed anddimensioned to fill the entire void provided by the recess 108. Theresilient insert 150 abuts the lattice structure 110 such that theresilient insert 150 is held securely in place within the recess 108.Accordingly, the portion of the resilient insert 150 that is to fill therecess 108 is typically includes dimensions that are similar to thedimensions of the recess 108. However, in at least some embodiments, theportion of the resilient insert 150 that is inserted into the recess 108may be dimensioned significantly different than that of the recess suchthat voids remain in the recess 108 even when the resilient insert 150is positioned therein.

The resilient insert 150 may be comprised of any of various materialsadapted to provide the desired cushioning, energy return, or supportneeds in the area associated with the insert. In at least oneembodiment, the resilient insert 150 may be comprised of ethylene-vinylacetate (EVA) or other elastomeric polymer material that is relativelysoft and resilient. For example, the resilient insert 150 may becomprised of EVA foam that is generally lightweight and provides adesired degree of cushioning and resiliency for the resilient insert150. The insert may be formed by molding or die-cutting the EVA foaminto a desired shape. After the resilient insert 150 is formed, it isplaced in the recess 108 of the lattice structure 110 where it issecurely retained to complete the midsole 104.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 2-3, the midsole 104 includes twocompressive elements: the lattice structure 110 and the resilient insert150. It has been determined that the combination of the resilient insert150 and the lattice structure 110 together provide advantageous featureswith respect to increased stability, cushioning, and energy return inparticular areas of the midsole 104. Accordingly, by utilizing theresilient insert 150 in combination with the lattice structure 110, themidsole 104 may be tuned to provide desired characteristics and wearperformance. By using one or more inserts in specific areas of thelattice structure, different performance characteristics may be providedin different regions of the midsole. As explained in the followingexamples, testing of various inserts in combination with the latticestructure 110 supports the desirability of the combination of thelattice structure with one or more inserts 150.

With particular reference now to FIG. 6, the outsole 106 is provided bythe durable pads 160 that are connected to the bottom surface of themidsole 104. The durable pads 160 are strips or panels of materialformed in shapes that fit within the sections 128 of the downward facingsurface 122 of the lattice structure 110. An adhesive or otherappropriate means may be used to connect the durable pads 160 to thedownward facing surface 122 of the lattice structure 110. While aplurality of durable pads 160 form the outsole 106 in the embodiment ofFIG. 11, a single durable pad that substantially or completely coversthe downward facing surface 122 of the midsole may alternatively be usedto form the outsole 106. The one or more durable pads 160 may be formedfrom any of various materials that provide the desired features andperformance qualities of an outsole. In at least one embodiment, thedurable pads are comprised of exterior grade EVA foam. The exteriorgrade EVA foam is a resilient material that provides an appropriatemeasure of traction and wear resistance for the outsole 106.

As noted previously, it will be recognized that the lattice structure110 and the resilient insert 150 may be provided on the midsole 104 inany of various designs and configurations. With reference now to FIGS. 7and 8, in at least one embodiment, the lattice structure 110 spans thelength of the midsole from end-to-end, but the resilient insert 150 isprovided in only one region of the midsole 104. For example, in theembodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the resilient insert 150 is only providedwithin the forefoot region 130 of the midsole. In this embodiment, therecess 108 extends the complete height of the midsole 104, extendingupward completely through the lower platform 112 and the network oflaths 114 and nodes 116. As shown in FIG. 7, a relatively large directpassage through the lattice structure 110 is provided by the recess 108.As shown in FIG. 8, when the resilient insert 150 is positioned in therecess 108, the resilient insert 150 is exposed on the downward facingsurface 122 of the lower platform 112. In this embodiment, the recess108 in the lattice structure 110 may or may not extend to other parts ofthe midsole 104, such as the heel region 140. If the recess 108 doesextend to other parts of the lattice structure one or more additionalresilient inserts 150 may be positioned within those additional portionsof the lattice structure 110.

With reference now to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of the latticestructure of FIGS. 7-8 is shown. In this embodiment of FIG. 9, therecess 108 does not extend completely through the height of the latticestructure 110, but only extends down to the lower platform 112 in theforefoot region 130. The recess 108 also extends downward in the heelregion 140, but does not extend to the lower platform 112, and insteadonly extends downward into the network of laths 114, lower than theupper shelf 118. Slits are formed in the lower platform 112 whichprovide additional flexibility for the forefoot region 130 of themidsole. While the resilient insert 150 is not shown in FIG. 9, it willbe recognized that the resilient insert 150 may be provided in any ofvarious forms and configurations. For example, the resilient insert 150may be provided as a single piece that rests in the recess 108 of FIG. 9while also extending from the forefoot region 130 to the heel region140. In this example, the resilient insert 150 may be substantiallythicker in the forefoot region 130 than in the heel region 140 since therecess 108 is deeper in the forefoot region 130 than in the heel region140. As another example, the resilient insert 150 may be a singleblock-like piece that only rests in the recess 108 in the forefootregion only.

With reference now to FIG. 10, yet another exemplary embodiment of amidsole 104 is shown. In this embodiment, the lattice structure 110 doesnot extend across the entire midsole from the forefoot region 130 to theheel region 140. Instead, the lattice structure 110 extends only acrossa limited region of the midsole 104. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10,the lattice structure 110 is only provided on the rear half of themidsole 104, extending across the entire heel region 140 but terminatingin a midfoot region 135 without extending into the forefoot region 130.In this embodiment, the front portion (e.g., the front half) of themidsole 104 may be provided by another material such as EVA foam orother material. Accordingly, the front portion of the midsole 104 may beconsidered to be an extension of the insert 150, which also extends tothe heel portion 164 of the midsole 104. In such an embodiment, the heelportion 164 of the insert 150 is integrally formed with the forefootportion 162 of the insert 150. The heel portion 164 may be a relativelyflat panel that engages the lattice structure 110, as shown in FIG. 10,while the forefoot portion 162 of the insert 150 may be more block-likeand provide the entirety of the midsole 104 in the forefoot region 130.Accordingly, the heel region 140 of the midsole 104 will provide theperformance characteristics consistent with the combined latticestructure 110 and resilient insert 150, while the forefoot region 130 ofthe midsole 104 will provide performance characteristics consistent withthat of the resilient insert alone. While FIG. 10 illustrates oneexemplary embodiment of an arrangement of the midsole 104 with thelattice structure 110 and the resilient insert 150 provided in differentportions of the midsole 104, it will be appreciated that numerous otherarrangements are possible, including the lattice structure 110 only in afront portion, a lateral side, a medial side, or a central region of themidsole 104. In each of these embodiments, other materials, such as theEVA foam of the resilient insert 150 may be provided in the remainingportions of the midsole 104. In yet other embodiments, two or moredistinct regions may be covered by the lattice structure, such as theforefoot region 130 and the heel region 140, with the region in-between(i.e., the midfoot region 135) covered by the resilient insert.

As discussed above, the lattice structure and the resilient insert maybe provided in any of various configurations in order to provide thedesired structure and energy return features to targeted areas of themidsole. Additionally, it will also be recognized that the latticestructure 110 including the network of laths 114 and nodes 116 may alsobe provided in any of various configurations to provide the desiredcharacteristics of the lattice structure 110. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-10, the laths 114 are provided as wave-like structures that arearranged in alternating layers. Each lath is generally cylindrical witha circular cross-section such that the girth of a lath may be calculatedas being equal to 2×π×r, where r is the radius of the circularcross-section of the lath. FIG. 11 illustrates the wave-like structureof the laths 114 with lines 170. Each of the laths 114 is provided in asingle layer of the lattice structure. The wave-like structure of thelaths 114 is generally sinusoidal. Also, the laths 114 are allsubstantially parallel to one another in the illustrated layer.

FIG. 12 illustrates the arrangement of a second layer of laths 114 withdotted lines 172 extending over the lines 170 (which represent the lathsof the first layer). It will be recognized the laths of the second layerof the lattice structure 110 are not shown in FIG. 12 for clarity, butthe laths of the second layer follow the pattern of the dotted lines172. The laths of the second layer are provided on top of the laths ofthe first layer. Similar to the laths of the first layer, the laths ofthe second layer are also parallel to each other. However, as can beseen by comparing lines 170 and dotted lines 172, the laths of thesecond layer are oriented in a transverse direction to the laths 114 ofthe first layer. In at least one embodiment, the laths of the firstlayer are oriented about ninety degrees (90°) relative to the laths ofthe second layer. As shown in FIG. 12, nodes 116 are formed where thelaths 114 of the first layer contact the laths of the second layer. Thenodes 116 may therefore be considered to be locations wherein the lathsof one layer intersect and conjoin with the laths of another layer. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 12, the nodes are provided at locations where thepeaks of the wave-like laths from a lower layer engage the valleys ofthe wave-like laths from an upper layer. As will be recognized, thelattice structure 110 may include any number of vertically stackedlayers and the laths 114 in each alternating layer are transverse toeach other.

In addition to various lattice configurations, the performancecharacteristics provided by the lattice structure 110 may also beadjusted by adjusting the dimensions of the elements of the latticestructure. In particular, as described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/829,624, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, the dimensions of the laths 114 may beadjusted to provide increased stability or increased cushioningdepending on the desired performance characteristics of the latticestructure in various regions of the midsole. Because the foot 50 (shownin FIGS. 14 and 15) varies in shape and structure between differentusers, and bears different amounts of pressure in different regionsduring different stages of a gait cycle, different zones of the latticestructure 110 may differ in shape and structure to provide a desiredsupport for a particular type of foot or gait cycle. For example, thelaths 114 located within an arch zone of the lattice structure 110 mayhave girths that differ from the girths of laths located within a ballof the foot zone. Additionally, within the transition areas between twozones, gradations in lath girth may occur. As a result, relativelysmooth transitions of girth may occur when moving from one end of thelattice structure 110 to another, or from one side of the latticestructure to another. In general, thicker girths provide a latticestructure 110 in the associated zone that is more stable and lesscompressible. On the other hand thinner girths provide a latticestructure 110 in the associated zone that provides more cushion andenergy return qualities.

As described above, a two part midsole including a lattice structure andresilient insert may configured in various ways to allow for targetedfeatures in different zones of a midsole. It will be appreciated thatthe performance characteristics of the midsole may be adjusted asdesired based on the arrangement and configuration of the latticestructure and the associated placement of the resilient insert.Additionally, performance characteristics of the midsole may also beadjusted by different configurations in the lattice structure itself ordifferent configurations in the resilient insert. The foregoing detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments of the footwear with latticemidsole and compression insert has been presented herein by way ofexample only and not limitation. It will be recognized that there areadvantages to certain individual features and functions described hereinthat may be obtained without incorporating other features and functionsdescribed herein. Moreover, it will be recognized that variousalternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements of theabove-disclosed exemplary embodiments and other features and functions,or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many otherdifferent embodiments, systems or applications. Presently unforeseen orunanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvementstherein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which arealso intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. Therefore, thespirit and scope of any appended claims should not be limited to thedescription of the exemplary embodiments contained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; anda midsole connected to the upper, the midsole including: a latticestructure including a network of laths with a recess formed in thenetwork of laths, the lattice structure further including a lowerplatform and an upper shelf integrally formed with the network of laths,the network of laths extending between the lower platform and the uppershelf; and a resilient foam insert positioned in the recess in thelattice structure; and an outsole connected to the midsole.
 2. Thearticle of footwear of claim 1 wherein the lattice structure iscomprised of nylon and the resilient insert is comprised of EVA foam. 3.The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein the recess extends completelythrough the network of laths and the resilient insert substantiallyfills the recess.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein therecess is provided in a heel region of the midsole.
 5. The article offootwear of claim 1 wherein the resilient insert extends from a forefootregion to a heel region of the midsole.
 6. The article of footwear ofclaim 1 wherein the laths are configured as parallel wave structures inmultiple layers, wherein the wave structures in a first layer aretransverse to the wave structures in a second layer.
 7. The article offootwear of claim 1 wherein the laths are configured with differinggirths in different regions of the midsole.
 8. The article of footwearof claim 6 wherein the lower platform extends under the multiple layersof laths and wherein the upper platform extends at least partially overthe multiple layers of laths.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 1wherein the upper shelf extends around a perimeter of the latticestructure but does not cover a central portion of the lattice structure,and wherein the outsole is connected to a bottom side of the platformand the network of laths extends from an upper side of the platform. 10.The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein the lattice structure extendsfrom a forefoot region to a heel region of the midsole.
 11. An articleof footwear comprising: an upper; an outsole; and a midsole positionedbetween the upper and the outsole, the midsole including: a latticestructure including a network of laths, the lattice structure providedin a heel region of the midsole without extending to a forefoot regionof the midsole, the outsole connected to the lattice structure in theheel region of the midsole; and a resilient member positioned on thelattice structure, the resilient member extending from the heel regionof the midsole to the forefoot region of the midsole, the outsoleconnected to the resilient member in the forefoot region of the midsole,wherein an upper surface of the resilient member provides a foot bedconfigured to receive an insole.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 11wherein the resilient member is comprised of EVA foam.
 13. The articleof footwear of claim 11 wherein the resilient member is a resilientinsert positioned in a recess in the lattice structure.
 14. The articleof footwear of claim 13 wherein the resilient insert extends above thelattice structure in the heel region of the midsole.
 15. The article offootwear of claim 11 wherein the laths are configured as parallel wavestructures in multiple layers, wherein the wave structures in a firstlayer are transverse to the wave structures in a second layer.
 16. Thearticle of footwear of claim 11 wherein the lattice structure furtherincludes a lower platform and an upper shelf integrally formed with thenetwork of laths, the network of laths extending between the lowerplatform and the upper shelf, the outsole connected to the lowerplatform and the resilient member connected to the upper shelf in theheel region.
 17. A method of manufacturing a midsole for an article offootwear, the method comprising: printing a lattice structure includinga network of laths with a recess formed by the network of laths, thelattice structure further including a lower platform and an upper shelfintegrally formed with the network of laths, the network of lathsextending between the lower platform and the upper shelf; forming aresilient insert as a unitary component configured to extend from aforefoot region to a heel region of the midsole; and inserting theresilient insert into the recess in the lattice structure.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 wherein the lattice structure is configured to extendfrom a heel region to a midfoot region of the midsole but not to theforefoot region of the midsole.
 19. The method of claim 17 whereinforming the resilient insert comprises molding the resilient insert orcutting the resilient insert from a sheet of foam.